The fourth installment in the popular Korean franchise, The Roundup: Punishment, has made history by setting a new all-time opening day presales record in its home market. With over 834,000 ticket reservations as of Wednesday morning local time, the crime actioner has accounted for an impressive 95.5% of all sales. This surpasses the franchise's own previous best presales record of 640K for the 2023 film, The Roundup: No Way Out, which eventually grossed $76.4M in the market.
Not only has The Roundup: Punishment exceeded its predecessor in presales, but it has also surpassed the opening day presales of other successful films in the Korean market. The film's strong performance during previews, raking in $341K on just 17 screens, indicates a promising run at the box office. This success will be a significant boost for the Korean film industry, especially following a record-breaking March driven by the horror hit, Exhuma, which earned $83.4M since its release on February 22.
Directed by Heo Myeong-haeng, The Roundup: Punishment follows the journey of Detective Ma Seok-do as he joins the Cyber Investigation Team to track down a ruthless kingpin and a cryptocurrency entrepreneur using online casinos as a front for his illicit activities. The film premiered at the Berlin Film Festival and has garnered positive reviews for its thrilling storyline and engaging performances, notably from lead actor Ma Dong-seok (Don Lee).
In her review for Deadline, Stephanie Bunbury praised The Roundup: Punishment for delivering the expected thrills and entertainment in a stylishly packaged narrative that keeps viewers engaged. The film's carefully crafted storyline sets it apart from other entries in the genre, offering a blend of action, mystery, and suspense. The success of The Roundup: Punishment largely hinges on Ma Dong-seok's charismatic portrayal of Detective Ma Seok-do, adding to the overall appeal of the franchise.
The Roundup: Punishment's record-breaking performance in the Korean market highlights the enduring popularity of the franchise and cements its position as a major player in the country's film industry. With its gripping storyline, stellar cast, and strong box office presence, the film sets a high bar for future installments and further solidifies Korean cinema's global impact.